Crystal D. Narcisse, M.D., internal medicine physician and pediatrician; Maria F. Nota, M.D., pediatrician; and Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician, all have been named medical directors of community outreach for Norton Healthcare.

Story by: Norton Healthcare on April 14, 2021

Crystal D. Narcisse, M.D., internal medicine physician and pediatrician; Maria F. Nota, M.D., pediatrician; and Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician, all have been named medical directors of community outreach for Norton Healthcare. The three physicians are employed by Norton Medical Group.

As medical directors for community outreach, Drs. Narcisse, Nota and Patton will:

• Provide direct community outreach and participate in educational health programs throughout various communities, especially those in underserved areas.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of community health fairs and events and actively participate in health fairs, neighborhood community activities, health screenings and special events.
• Assist in the organization’s communications efforts and participate in media opportunities, speaking engagements and mentorship opportunities, all of which will help to provide information and education to the communities served by Norton Healthcare.
• Collaborate with Kelly C. McCants, M.D., cardiologist and executive director of the Institute for Health Equity, a Part of Norton Healthcare, to strengthen community relations and access to care in an effort to improve health equity statistics.
• Participate in the review of grant opportunities and potential investments in permanent facilities, health care services and programming, as part of Norton Healthcare’s commitment to invest an additional $20 million over five years to address health needs in underserved areas.

The three physicians shared a little of their why behind accepting their appointments:

“Knowing the history of my community gives me a sense of purpose and it gives me a charge – I’m responsible now not just to help my children, my family and myself, but also to help others and to make the world better,” said Dr. Narcisse, who practices at Norton Community Medical Associates ­– Hurstbourne. “It’s why I went into medicine and why I am excited for this additional opportunity to help strengthen our communities.”

“Everyone deserves care sensitive to their cultural preferences,” said Dr. Nota, who practices at Norton Children’s Medical Group – Germantown. “Underserved communities face so many barriers when it comes to access to health care. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to offer a place where they can relax knowing that they are supported, heard and appreciated; a place they can call their medical home?”

“A big issue in the community I came from was a lack of mentorship and role models to show pathways to professional development or even improved health for that matter,” said Dr. Patton, who practices at  Norton Community Medical Associates ­– Preston. “I’m thrilled to now be in a position where I can work to open doors for others and help to provide a positive influence for both working and living in wellness.”